Monday in The Week of The 3rd Sunday of Easter (04/27/09)

I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

--Psalm 4:8

They always kept my bedroom door ajar when it was time for "night-night." Curtains drawn and door shut completely were unacceptable in the years of my childhood. A little bit of light had to shine through; then, and only then, could I fall asleep peacefully.

Falling asleep peacefully is easier said than done. It's difficulty may occur to such an extent that prescription medication is called for. Or maybe a "Sleep Number Bed" might help. We tend to think that we're entitled to a good night's sleep.

But then comes a night when everything -- and much, much more! -- is on our minds. We toss and turn amid loosely connected shards of thought. We play mental guessing games about the future. Shall we get up and have a glass of milk? Play Solitaire on the computer?

Consider Psalm 4 as a possibility. It's actually an evening song -- as verse eight (above) suggests. You may wish to listen to some instrumental string music as you read and ponder it. Originally, the words were to be sung with stringed instruments. (It's part of the text which comes before the first verse.) Now think of all the reasons why you can lie down and sleep in peace. It may be tough, but stick with it. The very real possibility is that you will discover, as the psalmist did, that it is the Lord who makes us to lie down in safety. Sweet dreams!

PD